Shinn 'at peace'' with Hornets' return to New Orleans

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Hornets owner George Shinn says he's made up his mind and the NBA team will be headed back to New Orleans after this season. <br/><br/>Since the question of where the Hornets would

Thursday, December 14th 2006, 6:07 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Hornets owner George Shinn says he's made up his mind and the NBA team will be headed back to New Orleans after this season.

Since the question of where the Hornets would end up became an issue, Shinn typically played to his audience, depending on whether he was in Oklahoma City or New Orleans.

But after 15 months of walking that tightrope, Shinn says his decision is final, even though he knows it will upset fans in Oklahoma.

He says the people of Oklahoma have been gracious and wonderful but the right thing to do is to go back to New Orleans and help with that city's recovery from Hurricane Katrina.

He says the team's plan is to go back and to give every effort possible to make the return work and that he's at peace with his decision.

Shinn says it's possible the Hornets could play a few games next season in Oklahoma City, just as they are playing six games this season in New Orleans. But he says that it's too early to say anything for sure.